A pang hits my chest. My God, this guy really does love me.
“Well, congratulations, nymph,” Fin says, looking uncomfortable. He starts backing away, taking a glass of white wine from a passing waiter. “Now that you’re rolling in all that dough you can take me shopping, maybe next week. I need some new shoes. A car. Preferably something gas-guzzling. None of that hybrid nonsense.” He raises his glass in salute to me and winks, then slips away into the crowd.
Diego brings me back to the present, brushing his hand over my lower back. “Are you okay?”
I turn to him, leaning my forehead on his chest. It’s too much, all too much. Having him beside me is the only thing about today that feels real. And he’s the craziest part of it all. “I have no idea,” I whisper against his shirt. “Can you die from too many surprises?”
He runs his hand over my hair in a comforting motion. “I really hope not. Because it's not over yet.”
I look up at him. “What? What do you mean?”
“Don't be upset but I may have done something you won't like.”
“What now?”
He nods a hello and smiles in greeting to someone behind me. “Just take a deep breath and get ready to gloat.”
I want to hit him and make him tell me what's going on, but I know that the surprise is right behind me, swiftly approaching. I turn and jerk back, stumbling into Diego's side.
Phoenix.
What?! What is happening? How could Diego do this? Why would he invite that narcissistic dillweed?
“You are so dead,” I say out of the corner of my mouth. Then I plant a fake smile on my face and add, “I am stabbing you with one of your sculpting tools as soon as this is over.” Then Phoenix is in front of us with his slick looks and whitening-strip smile, and I have to pretend to be happy to see him.
“Wow, Mr. Diego, you were right,” he says. “This is a stunning array of artists. I’m looking forward to our interview.” He glances at me, and as a second thought, gives me a quirk of the lips. “Hello, Verity. I forgot you were a secretary here.”
“It’s Mr. Santiago, Phoenix,” I correct, “Diego Santiago.” It’s tough not to sound condescending or annoyed. Which I am. I ignore the secretary jibe and turn to Diego. “What does he mean interview?”
“Oh,” Phoenix says, not giving Diego a chance to answer, “I got picked to do that piece on modern art for the Times and he was going to answer some questions for me about Bowen and this new announcement coming up.”
I give Diego a look, worried now about what’s really going on. “I didn’t know Bowen had anything new coming.”
“Something about his protégé, I think,” Phoenix says, answering for Diego again.
“Yes, that’s right,” Diego says. “I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have as soon as I’ve gotten the presentation out of the way.”
“What’s going on, Diego?” I’m done playing coy. He’s up to something. There wasn’t any presentation planned for tonight.
“Don’t be shy, Verity,” He winks at me. “Phoenix is going to find out in a few minutes anyway.” I give him a baffled look as he wraps his arm around me, turning to Phoenix, and says, “She’s so modest. Verity here has been Bowen’s favorite protégé for years. He’s set to begin a joint series with her called, Patchwork Heart. I think it’s pretty clear, she’s set for greatness.”
My eyes grow and I open my mouth but nothing comes out.
Phoenix frowns, looking at me doubtfully. “You? You’re the announcement?”
I close my mouth, open it again, but still can’t manage to figure out what to say.
“I had no idea you painted seriously,” he says, a smirk appearing on his lips. “I thought it was just some youthful whim. You never did well in class from what I hear.”
See what I mean, total dillweed.
I'm seriously going to stab Diego for inviting him.
Diego takes in a steadying breath. “Well, to be honest, her professors never quite grasped her vision. Obviously. Look at her debut! A six-figure sale, several offers from collectors. Verity Landon is a cut above, so much passion and heart. Some ignorant souls have missed out.” He gives Phoenix a knowing look.
I’m shocked to see the jerk cower a little, shuffling his feet, throat moving nervously. “Yes, you’re probably right, Mr. Santiago.” He glances at me. “Congratulations, Verity. I hadn’t realized that was your piece. It is beautiful.”
He actually sounds a little genuine in his compliment, I’m not sure how to respond. I’m not actually sure about anything right now.
Diego leans in and kisses my temple, like he’s claiming me. “This woman is full of surprises,” he says with naked admiration. “It's no wonder I fell in love with her.”
Phoenix chokes even though he's not drinking anything. “Oh . . . you . . . yes, I’m sure.” But his features stay scrunched up in confusion, looking between the two of us, baffled.
My eyes nearly pop out of my head.
Diego still isn't done, apparently, because he adds, “She's a firecracker, for sure,” his grin turning wicked.
I grab him by his wrist and say, “Excuse us, Phoenix,” then I yank Diego through the crowd to a deserted corner and once I get him there, I grind through my teeth. “What the hell are you doing?”
He doesn't answer right away, he grins down at me and slides a thumb over my bottom lip. “I wanted him to see what he'd thrown away.”
“How old are you? He’s going to find out your lying about the Bowen stuff.”
“I didn’t lie.”
I frown at him, trying to figure out what he means.
“You are Bowen’s prized protégé. And you will be doing a joint series with him, titled Patchwork Heart. I ironed out the last of the details a few hours ago. It’ll be released next summer at the Getty—if you’re up for it, anyway.”
My stomach starts buzzing, a thread of elation and excitement weaving through me. “We . . . I . . .” I think I’m in shock.
“It was supposed to be a surprise,” he says, his voice turning gentle. “You said you didn’t want to marry me yet so this was the best way I could think to lock you in my house on short notice.” He slides his thumb along my cheek, his gaze locked on mine. “I’m dying to paint with you, Verity Landon. Will you be my business partner?” He smirks.
I release a nervous laugh. “You're crazy.”
“Crazy in love.” He cups my face in his hands and pulls me in, kissing me gently, reverently. I let his heat, his words, surround me, amazed yet again.
I can't hide the joy bursting from inside of me as I pull away, whispering. “Thank you.”
We reenter the showroom together, Diego’s hand in mine, joining the crowd that smells like Armani and success. I see Phoenix watching the two of us together, and I can't help the satisfaction that fills me from the look of pure dejection on his face.
It may be cheesy but it's true, happiness is the best revenge. And damn if I'm not the happiest person on the whole planet right now.
COMING SOON!
SHELTERED IN YOU
Fin isn’t sure what to do, now that he’s finally realized he may be ready to open himself up again. Verity has her connection with Diego, and if he was being honest with himself, he’d have to admit that he’s happy for the two idiots. But there’s a shadow over Fin’s life, something from his past he still hasn’t dealt with yet. With new friendships on the verge of blossoming and a solid musical gig on the horizon, old wounds may finally get a chance to heal.
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SHELTERED IN YOU (a Twisted Romance, Book 2)
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Twisted In You (a Twisted Romance Book 1) Page 20
